You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
SO Techangle torque wrench 1/2
- Thread starter Inkncraig
- Start date
I've got a 3/8" one, want a 1/2" one. Yes, the digital strain gauge wrenches are worth it, if you use them smartly. I've saved myself from doing thing that would have end up costing me more than the wrench cost. From time to time, I'll get a job that basically amounts to cleaning up someone else's mess. When I go to torque everything back together, I watch the display on the wrench. If the numbers stop getting bigger before I reach target torque, yet I'm still turning the wrench, that's a clear sign that the ******* that caused the problem damaged the fastener and the threads are about to give way (or the fastener is about to snap). It allows me to go to the customer and say "I've detected a problem with X. Here's your options for resolving it" rather than going to the customer and saying "I broke your X. It's going to be a day or two to get the new part in but I'll eat the cost".
sberry
Banned
Its highly unlikely you need one.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Depends on your uses. Great for anything torque to yield or requires precision like head bolts. If you're just torquing wheels and suspensions, then I'd suggest saving yourself some money on a clicker.
This, if you deal with with a lot of torque to yield, the feature pays of quick. I own both the 3/8and 1/2 and like them very much.
u118224
Well-known member
I have been watching the 1/2" on ebay. I see that some have red handles and some have gray handles; what's the difference? Also, the ones I've seen do not have the dual 80 head.
purplezr2
Well-known member
I have been watching the 1/2" on ebay. I see that some have red handles and some have gray handles; what's the difference? Also, the ones I've seen do not have the dual 80 head.
Red handle does torque only, considered a Tech wrench . The gray handle does angles along with torques, referred to a TechAngle Wrench.
I have two angle wrenches, 3/8 and 1/2 and they both have worked great. Are they need I have no idea but they are sure nice when building a motor and not having to worry about angle just set it and go.
devoncoolman
Well-known member
they are great if you do a lot of headgaskets where the bolts are torque to yield. wich I do all the time. Way faster than getting the angle gauge out and screwing with that on 18 head bolts 2times each. pita.
Alta_Racer
Well-known member
I really like the feature that when you torque to yield, you can then see the amount of torque you actually pulled. It is amazing sometimes how much variance there is between bolts. It is close to having a built in stretch gauge.
It is also nice having one wrench that is accurate in both directions.
Just because you get a click, or a buzz or vibration, does not mean the torque is correct, have a look at the screen and you can actually see the torque you pulled. After some time using this wrench, your "feel" for torque becomes much better.
Always remember, smooth pulls are accurate, ramming a torque wrench is not.
Highly recommend this type of wrench to any pro.
It is also nice having one wrench that is accurate in both directions.
Just because you get a click, or a buzz or vibration, does not mean the torque is correct, have a look at the screen and you can actually see the torque you pulled. After some time using this wrench, your "feel" for torque becomes much better.
Always remember, smooth pulls are accurate, ramming a torque wrench is not.
Highly recommend this type of wrench to any pro.
u118224
Well-known member
Red handle does torque only, considered a Tech wrench . The gray handle does angles along with torques, referred to a TechAngle Wrench.
I have two angle wrenches, 3/8 and 1/2 and they both have worked great. Are they need I have no idea but they are sure nice when building a motor and not having to worry about angle just set it and go.
Thanks!
MechanicNamedJohn
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2010
- Messages
- 1,344
I have the 1/2 and 3/8 TechAngles for me they are an absolute "must have." I don't know I how I worked without them. My 1/4 should be in next week.
I plan on ordering a 3/8 techangle and a 1/2 techwrench. I don't know of any 100+ftlb tty bolts I'll be working on in the automotive field so thought I'd save some money on the 1/2. Am I correct in this or should I spend the extra? Thank god I get the student discount because these things are expensive even at 50% off!
stephen4785
Well-known member
I bought a 1/2 techangle when they first came out. I cannot stand using angle gauges on torque to yield bolts now. It works great in an auto/truck shop. Iv been a compressor mechanic in the oilfield and I dont think it works well for what I do. I cant hear the beep or feel the vibration hen Im on a skid using it. If Im able to see the readout I can use it but alot of time it's an odd angle so I cant tell what the torque is. I also dropped mine the other day and destroyed the cap on the end so I sent it off to have t rebuilt. While I was on the SO truck I picked up one of these http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675230&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
I'll use this one in the field but Ill keep my techangle for home stuff that'll merit a higher degree or precision.
I'll use this one in the field but Ill keep my techangle for home stuff that'll merit a higher degree or precision.
I plan on ordering a 3/8 techangle and a 1/2 techwrench. I don't know of any 100+ftlb tty bolts I'll be working on in the automotive field so thought I'd save some money on the 1/2. Am I correct in this or should I spend the extra? Thank god I get the student discount because these things are expensive even at 50% off!
I bought a 1/2" techangle probably 6-7 yrs ago after thinking it over for quite awhile....looking at retail its like $115 diff between the techangle and regular techwrench.
Its worth the extra $115 to have that feature if you need it in the future, and if you're planning to be a tech, at some point you'll need it. With your student discount I really think it's a no brainer. I use mine for way more torque to angle stuff than actual lb ft specs.
For example, a lot of Chrysler head bolts are 45-65-65 ft lbs + 90 degrees, you'll need the leverage of the larger techangle to pull that 90 degrees.
Personally I'm thinking about trading mine for the newer 80 tooth model, it'd be a little more convenient.
sberry
Banned
I guess you do need one,, ha
redwrench60
Well-known member
Where techangles really shine is in tight access situations on TTY fasteners used on crank balancers, cam actuators, head bolts ect. Where its unaffected by ratcheting. If you only have swing room for 27 degrees at a time but 120 is spec it will pick up where you left off once the bolt starts turning again until total angle is reached.
You don't actually have to see the fastener while applying angle like using an angle gauge or painting a mark on the bolt. Some of these damn things I'm reaching up through the wheel well for head bolts doing twenty degrees at a time. Or there's forty four damn head bolts that need torque and angle in four steps in sequence. It's the equivalent to torquing 176 headbolts!! It's a huge sanity and time saver!!
You don't actually have to see the fastener while applying angle like using an angle gauge or painting a mark on the bolt. Some of these damn things I'm reaching up through the wheel well for head bolts doing twenty degrees at a time. Or there's forty four damn head bolts that need torque and angle in four steps in sequence. It's the equivalent to torquing 176 headbolts!! It's a huge sanity and time saver!!